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Ferdinand backs United´s defence to come good

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester United retain a strong defensive base despite shipping more goals than expected so far this season.

Ferdinand played the full 90 minutes as United defeated rivals Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday to maintain their seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the English Premier League table.

The veteran centre-back was partnered by club captain Nemanja Vidic, who has only recently returned to first-team action after undergoing surgery on his knee.

Injuries have also affected the form and limited the appearances of fellow defenders Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, but Ferdinand has insisted manager Alex Ferguson has confidence in his defence, despite conceding 29 goals in 22 league games this term.

"I think we've got players who the manager can put 100 percent faith in to come in and do jobs," Ferdinand told talkSPORT.

"Jonny Evans has done fantastically well when Vidic has been out. Chris Smalling has done well when he has come in and so has Phil Jones.

"We've got players who we know that the manager can be confident about putting in and I think that's more important than anyone one of us as individuals."

Ferdinand said now Vidic has returned from injury, he expects the team to improve their reliability at the back.

"It's great to have players of the calibre of Vidic back because he's a top-quality player, but when the manager can't call upon him, or anybody else, the players feel comfortable with anyone that comes in, which is great," he said.